One day, back in 1983 or 84, while shopping alone at Murphy's Mart in Gloucester, Virginia, I was browsing in their meager music section and I saw it... Ballytown.
Not my copy, but I did own one...
Yes, this was a game. No, no one ever wanted to play it with me.
This was basically a long playing record that had horse races on it. I remember it was really weird looking vinyl. The grooves were not like the ones I'd seen on music albums. I think that was to change the outcome, because I think this was supposed to be a betting game for parties.
Looks like a 45 version of the record. Mine was a 33.
I think I played this record a few times, then lost interest. It got stored in my parents' entertainment center for years, until they finally moved out of the house I grew up in. I kind of wish I still had it today, but I don't own a record player anymore. Besides, I'm still not a party animal and no one would play this game with me now. Still, it was kind of a novel idea. Kind of a shame I spent my hard earned money on it, although given how horse crazy I used to be, it's not a total surprise.
When I was growing up, kids had a lot more freedom than they do today. I used to be allowed to walk to stores that were a couple of miles away and shop by myself. It didn't matter that I had to cross a busy highway. My parents trusted me not to get killed. I remember one time, a county cop stopped to ask if I needed a ride. I was within sight of my house, so I said no. He took my word for it and didn't question me further. I'm sure today, he would have picked me up for running away or something. Or my parents would have gotten a good talking to...
Someone should have given them a talking to for letting me buy this album, although I have to admit it's kind of a fun nostalgic memory.
How interesting! I hadn't heard of record games before. Would play it with you if only to see how it works. :D
ReplyDeleteYup, kids these days seem overly protected from roaming. I wish they'd be more protected against premature introduction to the smartphone and violent video/computer games, though. My roommates (retired couple in their 60s had their 17 yrs old grandson teach his 5 yrs old little brother how to play Mortal Combat last month... Now we're dealing with trying to get him to stop using the F-word every chance he gets and whenever he gets a little bit irritated. I'm glad I don't have kids...).
I think raising kids in this day and age must be a nightmare.
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